Freshening compositions comprising malodor binding polymers

ABSTRACT

Freshening compositions comprising a malodor binding polymer and an aqueous carrier, wherein the composition is essentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric; and methods thereof are provided. In some embodiments, the malodor binding polymer comprises a homopolymeric polyethylenimine having a molecular weight of about 1,000 to about 2,000,000. In some embodiments, the freshening composition includes a buffering agent providing a pH of about 6 to about 8. Such freshening compositions may be used to reduce malodor and/or microbes on inanimate surfaces or in the air.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to freshening compositions comprising amalodor binding polymer and an aqueous carrier; and methods thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Freshening products for reducing or masking malodors on fabrics and inair are currently available and are described in the patent literature.The Procter & Gamble Company sells fabric and air freshening productsunder the FEBREZE® brand name. These products typically contain perfume,solubilizer, cyclodextrin, and an aqueous carrier. S. C. Johnson sellsproducts such as Glade® Fabric and Air Odor Eliminator and Oust® SurfaceDisinfectant and Air Sanitizer. Reckitt-Benckiser sells products such asLysol® Disinfectant Spray.

Certain freshening compositions do not effectively neutralize a broadrange of malodors on fabrics and in the air. Further, certain fresheningcompositions may cause fabrics to turn yellow or brown under naturallight and/or make fabric susceptible to soiling, particularly productsthat contain certain types or amounts of aldehydes and/or surfactants.

There remains a need for improved freshening compositions thatneutralize a broad range of malodors, including malodors caused bymicrobes, and that provide a hedonic benefit, while avoiding soiling andstaining of fabrics that may be contacted by the freshening composition.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a freshening composition for reducingmalodor. In one embodiment, the freshening composition for reducingmalodor comprises an effective amount of a malodor binding polymer; amalodor counteractant; a dicarboxylic acid; an aqueous carrier; whereinsaid composition is essentially free of any material that would soil orstain fabric. In another embodiment, the freshening compositioncomprises an effective amount of a malodor binding polymer; a bufferingagent providing a pH of about 6 to about 8; an aqueous carrier; whereinsaid composition is essentially free of any material that would soil orstain fabric.

The present invention also relates to methods of reducing malodorcomprising the steps of: method of reducing microbes comprising thesteps of: providing a freshening composition comprising an effectiveamount of a malodor binding polymer, a malodor counteractant, adicarboxylic acid, an aqueous carrier, wherein said composition isessentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric; anddispersing an effective amount of said composition on an inanimatesurface or in the air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bar graph showing the reduction of aldehydic malodorsevaporating off fabrics treated with freshening compositions accordingto the present invention containing a malodor binding polymer incomparison to a freshening composition lacking such malodor bindingpolymer.

FIG. 2 is a bar graph showing microbe reduction with a fresheningcomposition according to the present invention containing a malodorbinding polymer in comparison to a freshening composition lacking suchmalodor binding polymer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The freshening composition of the present invention is designed todeliver genuine malodor reduction and not function merely by usingperfume to cover up or mask odors. The freshening composition reducesmalodor in the air or on inanimate surfaces, for example, fabrics thatare contaminated with environmental odors such as food and tobaccoodors, or wetted with perspiration. The freshening composition may alsoreduce microbes on inanimate surfaces or in air. The fresheningcomposition may also act as a barrier to prevent malodors from adheringto or penetrating an inanimate surface.

A genuine malodor reduction provides a sensory and analyticallymeasurable (e.g. gas chromatograph) malodor reduction. Thus, if thefreshening composition delivers a genuine malodor reduction, thefreshening composition will neutralize malodors in the air and/or onfabrics. “Neutralize” or “neutralization” as used herein meanschemically reacting with malodor components (e.g. the reaction ofprimary amines with aldehydes to form imines, reductive alkylation ofamines, protonation and deprotonation of amines, polymerization orde-polymerization); or suppressing the volatility of malodorouscomponents such that other parts of the composition may react (e.g.acid—base neutralization); or physically entrapping odorous moleculessuch that they are not re-released into the air (e.g. cyclodextrininclusion complexes as described herein).

I. Freshening Composition

The freshening composition for reducing malodor comprises a malodorbinding polymer and an aqueous carrier, wherein said composition isessentially free of materials that soil or stain fabric. The totalamount of surfactants (e.g. solubilizer, wetting agent) in thefreshening composition is from 0% to 3% or no more than 3%,alternatively from 0% to 1% or no more than 1%, alternatively from 0% to0.9% or no more than 0.9%, alternatively from 0% to 0.7 or no more than0.7%, alternatively from 0% to 0.5% or no more than 0.5%, alternativelyfrom 0% to 0.3% or no more than 0.3%, by weight of the composition.Compositions with higher concentrations can make fabrics susceptible tosoiling and/or leave unacceptable visible stains on fabrics as thesolution evaporates.

A. Malodor Binding Polymer

The freshening composition of the present invention includes a malodorbinding polymer. A malodor binding polymer is polymer having anavailable functional group (e.g. amine) that has the affinity toneutralize malodor components. Monomers having an available functiongroup with an affinity to neutralize malodor components are alsocontemplated. In the case of amine based compounds, the amine will havean affinity for aldehyde malodors. The amine may react with aldehydemalodors and form a new compound, such as an aminol, imine, or enaminewhich is not odorous.

A malodor binding polymer may include amine based compounds, such asmonoamines, amino acids, polyethyleneimine polymers (PEIs), modifiedPEIs, substituted PEIs; acrylic acid polymers, such as polyacrylateco-polymer (e.g. Acumer™ 9000 from Rohm & Haas), polyacrylic acidpolymers (e.g. Acusol™ from Rohm & Haas), and modified acrylatecopolymers (e.g. Aculyn™ from Rohm & Haas); and modified methacrylatecopolymers (e.g. HydroSal™ from Salvona Technologies); or mixturesthereof.

1. Amine Based Compounds

In some embodiments, the malodor binding polymer is an amine basedcompound with a molecular weight greater than 100 Daltons and at least10% of its amine groups are primary amines. In one embodiment, theamine-based compound will be a polyamine with a molecular weight greaterthan 150 Daltons and 15% to 80% of its amine groups are primary amines.In another embodiment, the malodor binding polymer is an amine-basedcompound with a molecular weight greater than 1000 Daltons and from 0%to about 10% or less than 10% of its amine groups are primary amines.

A general structure for a primary amine compound useful in thisinvention is as follows:

B—(NH₂)_(n);

wherein B is a carrier material, and n is an index of value of atleast 1. Suitable B carriers include both inorganic and organic carriermoieties. By “inorganic carrier”, it is meant a carrier which iscomprised of non- or substantially non-carbon based backbones.

Compounds containing a secondary amine group have a structure similar tothe above with the exception that the compound comprises one or more—NH— groups as well as —NH₂ groups. The amine compounds of this generaltype may be relatively viscous materials.

Exemplary amine based compounds are those selected from monoamines,aminoaryl derivatives, polyamines and derivatives thereof, polyaminoacids and copolymers thereof, glucamines, dendrimers, PEIs, substitutedamines and amides monoamines, or mixtures thereof.

a. Monoamines

Monoamines may be utilized in the present invention. Nonlimitingexamples of suitable monoamines for use in the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to, primary amines that also containhydroxy and/or alkoxy functional groups, such as the 2-hydroxyaminesand/or 3-hydroxyamines; primary or secondary amines that also contain afunctional group that enhances deposition of the monoamine compared tomonoamines that lack that functional group, especially when themonoamine is interacting with the benefit agent. Primary monoamines mayalso be used herein in combination with secondary monoamines. However,sufficient levels of the primary monoamine must be used to provide atleast 10% of the total amine groups within such combinations as primaryamine groups.

b. Aminoaryl Derivatives

Exemplary aminoaryl derivatives are the amino-benzene derivativesincluding the alkyl esters of 4-amino benzoate compounds, ethyl-4-aminobenzoate, phenylethyl-4-0aminobenzoate, phenyl-4-aminobenzoate,4-amino-N′-(3-aminopropyl)-benzamide, or mixtures thereof.

c. Polyamines

Examples of suitable amino functional polymers containing at least oneprimary amine group for the purposes of the present invention are:

-   Polyvinylamine with a MW of 300-2.10E6 Daltons (e.g Lupamine series    1500, 4500, 5000, 9000 available from BASF);-   Polyvinylamine alkoxylated with a MW of ≧600 Daltons and a degree of    ethoxylation of at least 0.5;-   Polyvinylamine vinylalcohol—molar ratio 2:1,    polyvinylaminevinylformamide—molar ratio 1:2 and polyvinylamine    vinylformamide-molar ratio 2:1;-   Triethylenetetramine, diethylenetriamine, tetraethylenepentamine;-   Bis-aminopropylpiperazine;-   amino substituted polyvinylalcohol with a MW ranging from    400-300,000 Daltons;-   polyoxyethylene bis [amine] available from e.g. Sigma;-   polyoxyethylene bis [6-aminohexyl] available from e.g. Sigma;-   N,N′-bis-(3-aminopropyl)-1,3-propanediamine linear or branched    (TPTA);-   N,N′-bis-(3-aminopropyl)ethylenediamine;-   bis(amino alkyl)alkyl diamine, linear or branched; and-   1,4-bis-(3-aminopropyl)piperazine (BNPP).

d. Polyamino Acids

Suitable amine based compounds include polyamino acids. Polyamino acidsare made up of amino acids or chemically modified amino acids. The aminoacids may be selected from cysteine, histidine, isoleucine, tyrosine,tryptophane, leucine, lysine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine,alanine, aspartic acid, arginine, asparagine, phenylalanine, proline,serine, histidine, threonine, methionine, valine, and mixtures thereof.Amino acid derivatives may be tyrosine ethylate, glycine methylate,tryptophane ethylate, or mixtures thereof; homopolymers of amino acids;hydroxyamines; polyamino acids; or mixtures thereof.

In chemically modified amino acids, the amine or acidic function of theamino acid has reacted with a chemical reagent. This is often done toprotect these chemical amine and acid functions of the amino acid in asubsequent reaction or to give special properties to the amino acids,like improved solubility. Examples of such chemical modifications arebenzyloxycarbonyl, aminobutyric acid, butyl ester, and pyroglutamicacid. More examples of common modifications of amino acids and smallamino acid fragments can be found in the Bachem, 1996, Peptides andBiochemicals Catalog.

One polyamino acid is polylysine, alternatively polylysines or polyaminoacids where more than 50% of the amino acids are lysine, since theprimary amine function in the side chain of the lysine is the mostreactive amine of all amino acids. One polyamino acid has a molecularweight of 500 to 10,000,000, alternatively between 2000 and 25,000.

The polyamino acid can be cross linked. The cross linking can beobtained for example by condensation of the amine group in the sidechain of the amino acid like lysine with the carboxyl function on theamino acid or with protein cross linkers like PEG derivatives. The crosslinked polyamino acids still need to have free primary and/or secondaryamino groups left for neutralization. Cross linked polyamino acid has amolecular weight of 20,000 to 10,000,000; alternatively between 200,000and 2,000,000.

The polyamino acid or the amino acid can be co-polymerized with otherreagents like for instance with acids, amides, acyl chlorides,aminocaproic acid, adipic acid, ethylhexanoic acid, caprolactam, ormixtures thereof. The molar ratio used in these copolymers ranges from1:1 (reagent/amino acid (lysine)) to 1:20, alternatively from 1:1 to1:10. The polyamino acid like polylysine can be unethoxylated orpartially ethoxylated so long as the requisite amount of primary amineremains in the polymer.

e. Dendrimers

Also useful amine based compounds are polypropylenimine dendrimers andthe commercially available Starburst® polyamidoamines (PAMAM)dendrimers, generation G0-G10 from Dendritech and the dendrimersAstromols®, generation 1-5 from DSM being DiAminoButane PolyAmine DAB(PA)x dendrimers with x=2^(n)×4 and n being generally comprised between0 and 4.

f. PEIs

In one embodiment, the malodor binding polymer is a PEI. It has beensurprisingly discovered that amine based polymers at a pH of about 4 toabout 8, alternatively above 5 to about 8, alternatively 7 canneutralize amine based odors. PEIs have the following general formula:

—(CH2-CH2-NH)n-; n=10-10₅

Homopolymeric PEIs are branched, spherical polyamines with a welldefined ratio of primary, secondary and tertiary amine functions. Theyare best described in the following partial structural formula:

The chemical structure of homopolymeric PEIs follows a simple principle:one amine function—two carbons.

The freshening composition may comprise a homopolymeric polyethyleniminehaving a molecular weight of about 800 to about 2,000,000, alternativelyabout 1,000 to about 2,000,000, alternatively about 1,200 to about25,000, alternatively about 1,300 to about 25,000, alternatively about2,000 to about 25,000, alternatively about 10,000 to about 2,000,000,alternatively about 25,000 to about 2,000,000, alternatively about25,000. Exemplary homopolymeric PEIs include those that are commerciallyavailable under the tradename Lupasol® from BASF. Lupasol products areusually obtained through polymerization of the ethylenimine monomer. Theethylenimine monomer has totally reacted in the polymer matrix. SuitableLupasol products include Lupasol FG (MW 800), G20wfv (MW 1300), PR8515(MW 2000), WF (MW 25,000), FC (MW 800), G20 (MW 1300), G35 (MW 1200),G100 (MW 2000), HF (MW 25,000), P (MW 750,000), PS (MW 750,000), SK (MW2,000,000), SNA (MW 1,000,000).

In some embodiments, the freshening composition comprises Lupasol HF orWF (MW 25,000), P (MW 750,000), PS (MW 750,000), SK (MW 2,000,000), 620wfv (MW 1300) or PR 1815 (MW 2000), or Epomin SP-103, Epomin SP-110,Epomin SP-003, Epomin SP-006, Epomin SP-012, Epomin SP-018, EpominSP-200, or partially alkoxylated polyethyleneimine, likepolyethyleneimine 80% ethoxylated from Aldrich. In one embodiment, thefreshening composition contains Lupasol WF (MW 25,000).

Also suitable amine based compounds for use in the fresheningcomposition are modified PEIs, partially alkylated polyethylenepolymers, PEIs with hydroxyl groups, 1,5-pentanediamine,1,6-hexanediamine, 1,3 pentanediamine, 3-dimethylpropanediamine,1,2-cyclohexanediamine, 1,3-bis(aminomethyl)cyclohexane,tripropylenetetraamine, bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine,dipropylenetriamine, tris(2-aminoethylamine), tetraethylenepentamine,bishexamethylenetriamine, bis(3-aminopropyl) 1,6-hexamethylenediamine,3,3′-diamino-N-methyldipropylamine, 2-methyl-1,5-pentanediamine,N,N,N′,N′-tetra(2-aminoethyl)ethylenediamine,N,N,N′,N′-tetra(3-aminopropyl)-1,4-butanediamine, pentaethylhexamine,1,3-diamino-2-propyl-tert-butylether, isophorondiamine,4,4′,-diaminodicyclohylmethane, N-methyl-N-(3-aminopropyl)ethanolamine,spermine, spermidine, 1-piperazineethaneamine,2-(bis(2-aminoethyl)amino)ethanol, ethoxylatedN-(tallowalkyl)trimethylene diamines,poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)],α-(2-aminomethyl-ethoxy)-(=C.A.S No. 9046-10-0);poly[oxy(methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)], α-hydro-)-ω-(2-aminomethylethoxy)-,ether with 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol (=C.A.S. No.39423-51-3); commercially available under the tradename JeffaminesT-403, D-230, D-400, D-2000; 2,2′,2″-triaminotriethylamine;2,2′-diamino-diethylamine; 3,3′-diamino-dipropylamine, 1,3 bisaminoethyl-cyclohexane commercially available from Mitsubishi, and theC12 Sternamines commercially available from Clariant like the C12Sternamin(propylenamine)_(n) with n=¾.

In one embodiment, the malodor binding polymer may be used in aneffective amount to provide a reduction of microbes on fabric and/or inthe air. When using a malodor binding polymer, an effective amountreduces microbes by at least 1 log difference as compared to acomposition lacking the malodor binding polymer. This difference is thenattributed to the use of the malodor binding polymer and not theinherent variability in the microbial species.

Suitable levels of malodor binding polymer are from about 0.01% to about2%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 1%, alternatively about0.01% to about 0.8%, alternatively about 0.01% to about 0.6%,alternatively about 0.01% to about 0.1%, alternatively about 0.01% toabout 0.07%, alternatively about 0.07%, by weight of the fresheningcomposition. Compositions with higher amount of malodor binding polymermay make fabrics susceptible to soiling and/or leave unacceptablevisible stains on fabrics as the solution evaporates off of the fabric.

B. Malodor Counteractants

The freshening composition may utilize one or more malodorcounteractants. Malodor counteractants may include components whichlower the vapor pressure of odorous compounds, solubilize malodorcompounds, physically entrap odors (e.g. flocculate or encapsulate),physically bind odors, or physically repel odors from binding toinanimate surfaces. For example, aliphatic aldehydes react with amineodors, such as fish and cigarette odors. When used in combination withthe malodor binding polymer, the freshening composition may neutralize abroader range of malodor causing materials which, in turn, furtherreduces malodors in the air or on inanimate surfaces.

1. Aliphatic Aldehydes

In one embodiment, the freshening composition comprises a perfumemixture having one or more fabric-safe, non-yellowing aliphaticaldehydes. Certain types of aldehydes that predominately comprise astraight chain aliphatic backbone will not discolor fabrics, unlikeproducts that utilize types of aldehydes that contain multiple doublebonds and benzene rings. The following table illustrates the selectionof aldehydes to avoid fabric yellowing.

Aldehyde Solution Tested Fadometer Test on treated Fabric (0.75 grams ofproduct are pipetted onto a 4 inch × 4 inch (10 cm × 10 cm) swatch whichis then subjected to 5 hours of exposure to simulated sunlight using aSUNTEST CPS+ model Fadometer supplied by Atlas, Chicago, Illinois, USA.Control-untreated fabric swatch No yellowing 1000 ppm amylic cinnamicYellowish brown aldehyde (aromatic) 1000 ppm citronellal Yellowish brown(aromatic) 1000 ppm citral aldehyde No yellowing (aliphatic) 1000 ppmlauric aldehyde No yellowing (aliphatic)

Examples of suitable aliphatic aldehydes are R—COH where R is saturatedC₇ to C₂₂ linear and/or branched with no more than two double bonds.Examples of suitable aliphatic aldehydes are bourgeonal, citral,citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde, cymal, decyl aldehyde, helional, hexylcinnamic aldehyde, lauric aldehyde, ligustral, lyral, melonal, methyldihydro jasmonate, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl phenyl carbinylacetate, nonyl aldehyde, octyl aldehyde, oxane, P. T. bucinal,polysantol, rhubafuran, tripal, or mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the freshening composition includes at least onealiphatic aldehyde selected from the group consisting of: bourgeonal,citral, citronellyl oxyacetaldehyde, cymal, decyl aldehyde, helional,hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, lauric aldehyde, ligustral, lyral, melonal,methyl dihydro jasmonate, methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, methyl phenylcarbinyl acetate, nonyl aldehyde, 2,6-nonadien-1-al, octyl aldehyde,oxane, P.T. bucinal, polysantol, rhubafuran, tripal, and mixturesthereof.

In another embodiment, the freshening composition includes at least onealiphatic aldehyde selected from the group consisting of: burgeonal,cymal, hexyl cinnamic aldehyde, mmethyl dihydro jasmonate, methyl nonylacetaldehyde, P.T. bucinal, and mixtures therof.

The aliphatic aldehydes may be present in an amount from about 0.001% toabout 10%, alternatively from about 0.001% to about 5%, alternativelyfrom about 0.01% to about 1%, alternatively from about 0.02% to about1%, alternatively from about 0.02% to about 0.5%, alternatively fromabout 0.02% to about 0.06%, alternatively about 0.06%, by weight of thefreshening composition.

In addition to aliphatic aldehydes, the freshening composition may alsoinclude perfume materials for their scent experience including enones,ketones, ionones including ionone alpha, ionone beta, ionone gammamethyl, or mixtures thereof. Suitable perfume materials are discussed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,714,137. The freshening composition may contain aneffective amount of perfume to provide the freshening fragrance whenfirst sprayed, some lingering fragrance, and some extra fragrance to bereleased upon fabric rewetting. It may be desirable for the aliphaticaldehydes to have virtually no negative impact on the desired perfumecharacter.

Certain malodor counteractants may be odoriferous and negatively impactthe overall character of the fragrance. In this case, a perfume/malodorcounteractant premix is formed such that the perfume raw materials usedare selected to neutralize any odor of the malodor counteractants. Thisodor neutralized premix can then be added to a parent perfume mixturewithout affecting the character of the parent fragrance. This permitsthe malodor counteractants to be used broadly with a large variety offragrance types.

The following are non-limiting examples of perfume formulations thatinclude fabric-safe malodor counteractants.

(1) Pine

Material Name Amount Rosemary 10.00 Spike Lavender 10.00 Lavandin Grosso5.00 Spruce (conf.-manh) 5.00 Camphor Gum 5.00 Melonal 0.30 Eucalyptol15.00 Iso Menthone 15.00 Iso Bornyl Acetate 21.70 Ionone Beta 8.00 Iso ESuper 5.00 100.00

(2) Ozonic

Material Name Amount Xi Aldehyde 8.00 2′ 6 Nonadienol 10% In Dpg 5.00Helional 13.00 Hydroxycitronellal 11.50 Calone 1951 0.50 2′6-Nonadien-1-al/10% In Dpg 5.00 Lyral 20.00 Melonal 1.00 Iso Menthone10.00 Floralozone 10.00 Bourgeonal 10.00 Delta Muscenone 962191 1.00Habanolide 100% 5.00 100.00

(3) Fruity

Material Name Amount Fruitate 5.00 Orange Terpenes 13.00 EthylAcetoacetate 3.00 2′ 6 Nonadienol 10% In Dpg 1.00 Ethyl Acetate 3.00Benzaldehyde 2.00 Prenyl Acetate 8.00 Benzyl Acetate 15.00 2′6-Nonadien-1-al/10% In Dpg 1.00 Ethyl-2-methyl Butyrate 8.00 AmylAcetate 3.00 Cis 3 Hexenyl Acetate 3.00 Methyl Dihydro Jasmonate 10.00Ligustral 5.00 Melonal 1.00 Ethyl 2 Methyl Pentanoate 8.00 Hexyl Acetate8.00 Habanolide 100% 3.00 100.00

(4) Citrus

Material Name Amount Orange Terpenes 20.00 Lemon Terpenes X5 Fold 20.00Lime Oil Cf-8-1285-1 (conf.- 10.00 berje) Grapefruit Phase C-Ref.N*12245 20.00 Italian Orange Phase Oil 22.90 Delta Muscenone 962191 0.50Oxane 0.30 Iso Menthone 1.00 Rhubafuran 0.30 Habanolide 100% 5.00 100.00

(5) Floral

Material Name Amount Spike Lavender 5.00 Rosemary 5.00 Helional 10.00Hydroxycitronellal 10.00 Benzyl Acetate 9.30 Lyral 20.00 Ligustral 2.00Melonal 0.20 Eucalyptol 2.00 Iso Menthone 8.00 Bourgeonal 20.00Undecavertol 3.00 Delta Muscenone 962191 0.50 Habanolide 100% 5.00100.00

In certain cases, fabrics that are laundered will have residualbrighteners deposited from detergents with which they are washed.Therefore, it may be desirable for the aliphatic aldehydes to becompatible with brighteners so that the freshening composition will notdiscolor any fabrics with which it comes into contact. A number of theexamples above are compatible with brighteners.

2. Low Molecular Weight Polyols

Low molecular weight polyols with relatively high boiling points, ascompared to water, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol,triethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and/orglycerine may be utilized as a malodor counteractant for improving odorneutralization of the freshening composition of the present invention.Some polyols, e.g., dipropylene glycol, are also useful to facilitatethe solubilization of some perfume ingredients in the composition of thepresent invention.

The glycol used in the freshening composition of the present inventionmay be glycerine, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol,polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycolphenyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycoln-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycoln-propyl ether, ethylene glycole phenyl ether, diethylene glycol n-butylether, dipropylene glycol n-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono butylether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol methylether, tripropylene glycol n-butyl ether, other glycol ethers, ormixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the glycol used is ethylene glycol,propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the glycolused is diethylene glycol.

Typically, the low molecular weight polyol is added to the compositionof the present invention at a level of from about 0.01% to about 5%, byweight of the composition, alternatively from about 0.05% to about 1%,alternatively from about 0.1% to about 0.5%, by weight of thecomposition. Compositions with higher concentrations may make fabricssusceptible to soiling and/or leave unacceptable visible stains onfabrics as the solution evaporates off of the fabric. The weight ratioof low molecular weight polyol to the malodor binding polymer is fromabout 500:1 to about 4:1, alternatively from about 1:100 to about 25:1,alternatively from about 1:50 to about 4:1, alternatively about 4:1.

3. Cyclodextrin

In some embodiments, the freshening composition may include solubilized,water-soluble, uncomplexed cyclodextrin. As used herein, the term“cyclodextrin” includes any of the known cyclodextrins such asunsubstituted cyclodextrins containing from six to twelve glucose units,especially, alpha-cyclodextrin, beta-cyclodextrin, gamma-cyclodextrinand/or their derivatives and/or mixtures thereof. The alpha-cyclodextrinconsists of six glucose units, the beta-cyclodextrin consists of sevenglucose units, and the gamma-cyclodextrin consists of eight glucoseunits arranged in a donut-shaped ring. The specific coupling andconformation of the glucose units give the cyclodextrins a rigid,conical molecular structure with a hollow interior of a specific volume.The “lining” of the internal cavity is formed by hydrogen atoms andglycosidic bridging oxygen atoms, therefore this surface is fairlyhydrophobic. The unique shape and physical-chemical property of thecavity enable the cyclodextrin molecules to absorb (form inclusioncomplexes with) organic molecules or parts of organic molecules whichcan fit into the cavity. Many perfume molecules can fit into the cavity.

Cyclodextrin molecules are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,137, andU.S. Pat. No. 5,942,217. Suitable levels of cyclodextrin are from about0.1% to about 5%, alternatively from about 0.2% to about 4%,alternatively from about 0.3% to about 3%, alternatively from about 0.4%to about 2%, by weight of the freshening composition. Fresheningcompositions with higher concentrations can make fabrics susceptible tosoiling and/or leave unacceptable visible stains on fabrics as thesolution evaporates off of the fabric. The latter is especially aproblem on thin, colored, synthetic fabrics. In order to avoid orminimize the occurrence of fabric staining, the fabric may be treated ata level of less than about 5 mg of cyclodextrin per mg of fabric,alternatively less than about 2 mg of cyclodextrin per mg of fabric.

C. Buffering Agent

The freshening composition of the present invention includes a bufferingagent which may be a dibasic acid, carboxylic acid, or a dicarboxylicacid like maleic acid. The acid may be sterically stable, and used inthis composition solely for maintaining the desired pH. The fresheningcomposition may have a pH from about 3 to about 8, alternatively fromabout 4 to about 7, alternatively from about 5 to about 8, alternativelyfrom about 6 to about 8, alternatively about 6 to about 7, alternativelyabout 7, alternatively about 6.5.

Carboxylic acids such as citric acid may act as metal ion chelants andcan form metallic salts with low water solubility. As such, in someembodiments, the freshening composition is essentially free of citricacids. The buffer can be alkaline, acidic or neutral.

Other suitable buffering agents for freshening compositions of thisinvention include biological buffering agents. Some examples arenitrogen-containing materials, sulfonic acid buffers like3-(N-morpholino)propanesulfonic acid (MOPS) orN-(2-Acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (ACES), which have a nearneutral 6.2 to 7.5 pKa and provide adequate buffering capacity at aneutral pH. Other examples are amino acids such as lysine or loweralcohol amines like mono-, di-, and tri-ethanolamine. Othernitrogen-containing buffering agents are tri(hydroxymethyl)amino methane(HOCH2)3CNH3 (TRIS), 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3 -propanediol,2-amino-2-methyl-propanol, 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanol, disodiumglutamate, N-methyl diethanolamide, 2-dimethylamino-2-methylpropanol(DMAMP), 1,3-bis(methylamine)-cyclohexane, 1,3-diamino-propanolN,N′-tetra-methyl-1,3-diamino-2-propanol,N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)glycine(bicine) and N-tris (hydroxymethyl)methylglycine(tricine). Mixtures of any of the above are also acceptable.

The freshening compositions may contain at least about 0%, alternativelyat least about 0.001%, alternatively at least about 0.01%, by weight ofthe composition, of a buffering agent. The composition may also containno more than about 1%, alternatively no more than about 0.75%,alternatively no more than about 0.5%, by weight of the composition, ofa buffering agent.

D. Solubilizer

The freshening composition of the present invention may contain asolubilizing aid to solubilize any excess hydrophobic organic materials,particularly any perfume materials, and also optional ingredients (e.g.,insect repelling agent, antioxidant, etc.) which can be added to thecomposition, that are not readily soluble in the composition, to form aclear solution. A suitable solubilizing aid is a surfactant, such as ano-foaming or low-foaming surfactant. Suitable surfactants are nonionicsurfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, zwitterionicsurfactants, and mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the freshening composition contains nonionicsurfactants, cationic surfactants, and mixtures thereof. In oneembodiment, the freshening composition contains hydrogenated castor oil.One suitable hydrogenated castor oil that may be used in the presentcomposition is Basophor™, available from BASF.

Compositions containing anionic surfactants and/or detergent surfactantsmay make fabrics susceptible to soiling and/or leave unacceptablevisible stains on fabrics as the solution evaporates off of the fabric.In some embodiments, the freshening composition is free of anionicsurfactants and/or detergent surfactants.

When the solubilizing agent is present, it is typically present at alevel of from about 0.01% to about 3%, alternatively from about 0.05% toabout 1%, alternatively from about 0.01% to about 0.05%, by weight ofthe freshening composition. Freshening compositions with higherconcentrations may make fabrics susceptible to soiling and/or leaveunacceptable visible stains on fabrics as the solution evaporates off ofthe fabric.

E. Antimicrobial Compounds

The freshening composition of the present invention may include aneffective amount of a compound for reducing microbes in the air or oninanimate surfaces. Antimicrobial compounds are effective on gramnegative and gram positive bacteria and fungi typically found on indoorsurfaces that have contacted human skin or pets such as couches,pillows, pet bedding, and carpets. Such microbial species includeKlebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger,Klebsiella pneumoniae, Steptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella choleraesuis,Escherichia coil, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Pseudomonoasaeruginosa. In some embodiments, the antimicrobial compounds are alsoeffective on viruses such H1-N1, Rhinovirus, Respiratory Syncytial,Poliovirus Type 1, Rotavirus, Influenza A, Herpes simplex types 1 & 2,Hepatitis A, and Human Coronavirus.

Antimicrobial compounds suitable in the freshening composition of thepresent invention can be any organic material which will not causedamage to fabric appearance (e.g., discoloration, coloration such asyellowing, bleaching). Water-soluble antimicrobial compounds includeorganic sulfur compounds, halogenated compounds, cyclic organic nitrogencompounds, low molecular weight aldehydes, quaternary compounds,dehydroacetic acid, phenyl and phenoxy compounds, or mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, a quaternary compound is used. Examples ofcommercially available quaternary compounds suitable for use in thefreshening composition is Barquat available from Lonza Corporation; anddidecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride quat under the trade name Bardac®2250 from Lonza Corporation.

The antimicrobial compound may be present in an amount from about 500ppm to about 7000 ppm, alternatively about 1000 ppm to about 5000 ppm,alternatively about 1000 ppm to about 3000 ppm, alternatively about 1400ppm to about 2500 ppm, by weight of the freshening composition.

F. Preservatives

The freshening composition of the present invention may include apreservative. The preservative is included in the present invention inan amount sufficient to prevent spoilage or prevent growth ofinadvertently added microorganisms for a specific period of time, butnot sufficient enough to contribute to the odor neutralizing performanceof the freshening composition. In other words, the preservative is notbeing used as the antimicrobial compound to kill microorganisms on thesurface onto which the composition is deposited in order to eliminateodors produced by microorganisms. Instead, it is being used to preventspoilage of the freshening composition in order to increase theshelf-life of the composition.

The preservative can be any organic preservative material which will notcause damage to fabric appearance, e.g., discoloration, coloration,bleaching. Suitable water-soluble preservatives include organic sulfurcompounds, halogenated compounds, cyclic organic nitrogen compounds, lowmolecular weight aldehydes, parabens, propane diaol materials,isothiazolinones, quaternary compounds, benzoates, low molecular weightalcohols, dehydroacetic acid, phenyl and phenoxy compounds, or mixturesthereof.

Non-limiting examples of commercially available water-solublepreservatives for use in the present invention include a mixture ofabout 77% 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one and about 23%2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, a broad spectrum preservative availableas a 1.5% aqueous solution under the trade name Kathon® CG by Rohm andHaas Co.; 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, available under the tradenameBronidox L® from Henkel; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, availableunder the trade name Bronopol® from Inolex; 1,1′-hexamethylenebis(5-(p-chlorophenyl)biguanide), commonly known as chlorhexidine, andits salts, e.g., with acetic and digluconic acids; a 95:5 mixture of1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione and3-butyl-2-iodopropynyl carbamate, available under the trade name GlydantPlus® from Lonza;N-[1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl]-N,N′-bis(hydroxy-methyl)urea,commonly known as diazolidinyl urea, available under the trade nameGermall® II from Sutton Laboratories, Inc.;N,N″-methylenebis{N′-[1-(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl]urea},commonly known as imidazolidinyl urea, available, e.g., under the tradename Abiol® from 3V-Sigma, Unicide U-13® from Induchem, Germall 115®from Sutton Laboratories, Inc.; polymethoxy bicyclic oxazolidine,available under the trade name Nuosept® C from Hüls America;formaldehyde; glutaraldehyde; polyaminopropyl biguanide, available underthe trade name Cosmocil CQ® from ICI Americas, Inc., or under the tradename Mikrokill® from Brooks, Inc;

dehydroacetic acid; and benzsiothiazolinone available under the tradename Koralone™ B-119 from Rohm and Hass Corporation.

Suitable levels of preservative are from about 0.0001% to about 0.5%,alternatively from about 0.0002% to about 0.2%, alternatively from about0.0003% to about 0.1%, by weight of the freshening composition.

G. Wetting Agent

The freshening composition may include a wetting agent that provides alow surface tension that permits the composition to spread readily andmore uniformly on hydrophobic surfaces like polyester and nylon. It hasbeen found that the aqueous solution, without such a wetting agent willnot spread satisfactorily. The spreading of the composition also allowsit to dry faster, so that the treated material is ready to use sooner.Furthermore, a composition containing a wetting agent may penetratehydrophobic, oily soil better for improved malodor neutralization. Acomposition containing a wetting agent may also provide improved“in-wear” electrostatic control. For concentrated compositions, thewetting agent facilitates the dispersion of many actives such asantimicrobial actives and perfumes in the concentrated aqueouscompositions.

Nonlimiting examples of wetting agents include block copolymers ofethylene oxide and propylene oxide. Suitable blockpolyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene polymeric surfactants include thosebased on ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropaneand ethylenediamine as the initial reactive hydrogen compound. Polymericcompounds made from a sequential ethoxylation and propoxylation ofinitial compounds with a single reactive hydrogen atom, such as C₁₂₋₁₈aliphatic alcohols, are not generally compatible with the cyclodextrin.Certain of the block polymer surfactant compounds designated Pluronic®and Tetronic® by the BASF-Wyandotte Corp., Wyandotte, Mich., are readilyavailable.

Nonlimiting examples of cyclodextrin-compatible wetting agents of thistype are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,714,137 and include the Silwet®surfactants available from Momentive Performance Chemical, Albany, N.Y.Exemplary Silwet surfactants are as follows:

Name Average MW L-7608 600 L-7607 1,000 L-77 600 L-7605 6,000 L-76044,000 L-7600 4,000 L-7657 5,000 L-7602 3,000;and mixtures thereof.

H. Aqueous Carrier

The freshening composition of the present invention may include anaqueous carrier.

The aqueous carrier which is used may be distilled, deionized, or tapwater. Water may be present in any amount for the composition to be anaqueous solution. In some embodiments, water may be present in an amountof about 85% to 99.5%, alternatively about 90% to about 99.5%,alternatively about 92% to about 99.5%, alternatively about 95%, byweight of said freshening composition. Water containing a small amountof low molecular weight monohydric alcohols, e.g., ethanol, methanol,and isopropanol, or polyols, such as ethylene glycol and propyleneglycol, can also be useful. However, the volatile low molecular weightmonohydric alcohols such as ethanol and/or isopropanol should be limitedsince these volatile organic compounds will contribute both toflammability problems and environmental pollution problems. If smallamounts of low molecular weight monohydric alcohols are present in thecomposition of the present invention due to the addition of thesealcohols to such things as perfumes and as stabilizers for somepreservatives, the level of monohydric alcohol may be less than about6%, alternatively less than about 3%, alternatively less than about 1%,by weight of the freshening composition.

I. Other Optional Ingredients

Adjuvants can be optionally added to the freshening composition hereinfor their known purposes. Such adjuvants include, but are not limitedto, water soluble metallic salts, antistatic agents, insect and mothrepelling agents, colorants, antioxidants, and mixtures thereof.

II. Method of Making

The freshening composition can be made in any suitable manner known inthe art. All of the ingredients can simply be mixed together. In certainembodiments, it may be desirable to make a concentrated mixture ofingredients and dilute by adding the same to an aqueous carrier beforedispersing the composition into the air or on an inanimate surface. Inanother embodiment, the malodor binding polymer may be dispersed in onevessel containing deionized water and ethanol, and low molecularpolyols. To this vessel, then, the buffer is added until fully dispersedand visually dissolved. In a separate vessel, the solubilizer andperfume are mixed until homogenous. The solution of solubilizer andperfume are then added to the first mixing vessel, and mixed untilhomogenous.

III. Methods of Use

The freshening composition of the present invention can be used bydispersing, e.g., by placing the aqueous solution into a dispensingmeans, such as a spray dispenser and spraying an effective amount intothe air or onto the desired surface or article. An effective amount asdefined herein means an amount sufficient to neutralize malodor to thepoint that it is not discernible by the human sense of smell yet not somuch as to saturate or create a pool of liquid on an article or surfaceand so that, when dry, there is no visual deposit readily discernible.Dispersing can be achieved by using a spray device, a roller, a pad,etc.

The present invention encompasses the method of dispersing an effectiveamount of the composition for reducing malodor onto household surfaces.The household surfaces are selected from the group consisting ofcountertops, cabinets, walls, floors, bathroom surfaces, and kitchensurfaces.

The present invention encompasses the method of dispersing a mist of aneffective amount of the composition for reducing malodor onto fabricand/or fabric articles. The fabric and/or fabric articles include, butare not limited to, clothes, curtains, drapes, upholstered furniture,carpeting, bed linens, bath linens, tablecloths, sleeping bags, tents,car interior, e.g., car carpet, fabric car seats, etc.

The present invention encompasses the method of dispersing a mist of aneffective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression ontoand into shoes wherein the shoes are not sprayed to saturation.

The present invention encompasses the method of dispersing a mist of aneffective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression ontoshower curtains.

The present invention relates to the method of dispersing a mist of aneffective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression ontoand/or into garbage cans and/or recycling bins.

The present invention relates to the method of dispersing a mist of aneffective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression intothe air to neutralize malodor.

The present invention relates to the method of dispersing a mist of aneffective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression intoand/or onto major household appliances including, but not limited to,refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, automatic dryers, ovens,microwave ovens, dishwashers, etc., to neutralize malodor.

The present invention relates to the method of dispersing a mist of aneffective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression ontocat litter, pet bedding and pet houses to neutralize malodor.

The present invention relates to the method of dispersing a mist of aneffective amount of the composition for reducing malodor impression ontohousehold pets to neutralize malodor.

EXAMPLES Malodor Reduction

Table 1 show non-limiting examples of freshening compositions accordingto the present invention.

TABLE 1 V I II III IV (Control) VI VII VIII Lupasol WF 0.070 0.070 0.0150.035 0 0.035 0.0525 0.07 CAS 9002-98-6 Diethylene 0.175 0.175 0.0700.175 0.175 0.175 0.170 0.175 Glycol Perfume mixture 0.2102 0.4880 0.0200.236 0.655 0.655 0.655 0.655 comprising (0% (0.012 (0.012 (0.012 (0.012aliphatic aldehydes) aldehydes) aldehydes) aldehydes) aldehydes)aldehydes Hydroxypropyl 0.630 0.630 0.630 0 0.630 0.630 0.630 0.630 BetaCD Basophor ELH 0 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 60 Uniquat2250 0 0.060 0 0.060 0.060 0.060 0.060 0.060 Bardac 2250J 0.139 0.100 00 0 0 0 Silwet L-7600 0.100 0.100 0.175 0.100 0.100 0.100 0.100 0.100Citric Acid 0.045 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.15 0.015 Maleic Acid 00.050 0.060 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 CAS 110-16-7 ACES 0.100 0 0 00 0 0 0 Sodium 0 0 0 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 Hydroxide KoraloneB-119 0 0.0150 0 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 0.015 Ethanol 3.000 3.000 3.0003.000 3.000 3.000 3.000 3.000 Deionized 95.571 95.347 95.865 96.26495.318 95.180 95.095 95.148 Water Total 100 100 100 100 100

Formulations VI, VII, and VIII in Table 1 are prepared and compared toControl Formulation V, a composition containing no malodor bindingpolymer, for their effect on malodor. FIG. 1 shows that when including amalodor binding polymer in a freshening composition in accordance withthe present invention, aldehydic malodor evaporating off the treatedfabric decreases.

Fabric samples are infused with the malodor of interest. For greaseinfusion, place 8 ounces of grease in a Presto™ electric skillet andcover with the skillet lid. Place the skillet in a 30 gallon metalgarbage can. Run the electric cord from the skillet through a 1.5 inchhole in the garbage can. Heat the skillet to 121° C. and allow it toequilibrate for 15 minutes. Remove the lid. Suspend 8 inch by 8 inchfabric swatches from the metal clips on a carousel in the garbage canlid. Measured from the bottom of the swatches, the distance to the topof the skillet is 8 inches. Place lid on garbage can and manually turnthe carousel 15 rotations per minute for a period of 40 minutes. Afterinfusion, spray the swatches with the respective freshening compositionsthat are to be tested. The spray for each swatch consists of two fullstrokes of the trigger sprayer bottle. The bottle is held 6 inches awayfrom the fabric and the spray is centered on the fabric. Immediatelyafter treatment, cut each swatch in half, roll, and place each into a125 mL headspace vial. Seal the vials. Allow the vials to equilibratefor at least 2 hours at 100° C. and then analyze by sampling each vialusing a PDMS SPME fiber and analyze by GC/MS. Malodor components,previously identified, are then tracked through all the samples. Data iscompiled of total area count of the cumulative area counts of theindividual peaks.

Microbe Reduction

Table 2 show non-limiting examples of freshening compositions accordingto the present invention.

TABLE 2 IX (Control) X Lupasol WF 0 0.07 CAS 9002-98-6 Diethylene Glycol0.25 0.25 Perfume mixture 0.02 0.02 comprising aliphatic (0.002aldehydes) (0.002 aldehydes) aldehydes Hydroxypropyl Beta CD 0.63 0.63Basophor ELH 60 0.15 0.15 Uniquat 2250 0 0 Bardac 2250J 0.5 0.5 SilwetL-7600 0.1 0.1 Citric Acid 0 0 Maleic Acid 0 0 CAS 110-16-7 ACES 0.1 0.1Sodium Hydroxide 0.006 0.006 Koralone B-119 0 0 Ethanol 3.000 3.000Deionized Water 95.244 95.174 Total 100 100

Formulation IX, the control formulation containing no malodor bindingpolymer, and Formulation X are compared for their effect on microbereduction. FIG. 2 shows the results of formulations with and withoutPEIs when tested for non-residual fabric sanitizer efficacy againstStaphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Aspergillus niger (ATCC 6275),Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 7002) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442).

Formulation efficacy was assessed by employing a North AmericanBactericidal Fabric Spray Test Method that is a quantitativemodification of the AOAC Germicidal Spray Products Test method (961.02).This method is a recognized test standard in accordance to U.S. EPAPesticide Assessment Guidelines Subdivision G, Series 91-52(b)(1). Thereferenced AOAC method was applied to fabric surfaces. Fabric swatches(1.5 inch, 100% blue oxford cotton) as can be obtained from TestfabricsInc. were treated with 2 fully depressed sprays of trigger sprayerbottle containing the respective formulation. A contact time between 10to 30 minutes at ambient temperature was chosen as a conservative timeestimate for sprayed fabric surfaces, as provided in Subdivision G,Series 91-1 (b) (4) (i). Any excess liquid is drained off and thentransferred to a jar containing 20 ml neutralizer and/or growthpromoting broth. The jar is mixed by vortexing, followed by sonicationin a Branson Bransonic Ultrasonic Sonicator for 5 minutes. Within 30minutes of neutralization, the jar is mixed for 2-3 seconds on a vortextype mixer and serially diluted. All the samples were incubated (48±4hours) under the appropriate conditions and monitored for growth or nogrowth. Samples are plated and counted to determine mean log10reduction.

All percentages stated herein are by weight unless otherwise specified.It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation giventhroughout this specification will include every lower numericallimitation, as if such lower numerical limitations were expresslywritten herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout thisspecification will include every higher numerical limitation, as if suchhigher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Everynumerical range given throughout this specification will include everynarrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range,as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. An aqueous composition for reducing malodor comprising: an effectiveamount of a malodor binding polymer; a malodor counteractant; adicarboxylic acid; an aqueous carrier; wherein said composition isessentially free of any material that would soil or stain fabric.
 2. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein said malodor binding polymer is apolyamine having a molecular weight of at least 150 Daltons and 15% to80% primary amino groups
 3. The composition of claim 1 wherein saidmalodor binding polymer is a homopolymeric polyethyleneimine having amolecular weight of about 1,000 to about 2,000,000.
 4. The compositionof claim 1 wherein said malodor binding polymer is present in an amountof about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of said composition.
 5. Thecomposition of claim 3 wherein said homopolymeric polyethyleneimine ispresent in an amount of about 0.01% to about 0.07% by weight of saidcomposition.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein said malodor bindingpolymer is a homopolymeric polyethyleneimine having a molecular weightof about 25,000.
 7. The composition of claim 1 wherein said malodorcounteractant comprises at least one aliphatic aldehyde present in theamount of about 0.001% to about 5% by total weight of the composition.8. The composition of claim 1 wherein said composition comprises a pH ofabout 3 to about
 8. 9. The composition of claim 1 wherein saidcomposition comprises a pH of about 6 to about
 8. 10. The composition ofclaim 1 wherein said composition is free of anionic surfactants.
 11. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein said composition comprises no more than3% surfactant by weight of said composition.
 12. The composition ofclaim 1 wherein said composition comprises no more than 1% surfactant byweight of said composition.
 13. The composition of claim 1 wherein saiddicarboxylic acid is maleic acid.
 14. The composition of claim 13wherein said maleic acid is present in an amount of about 0.01% to about0.5%, by total weight of said composition.
 15. The composition of claimwherein said aqueous carrier is present in an amount of 90% to about99.5%.
 16. An aqueous composition for reducing malodor comprising: aneffective amount of a malodor binding polymer; a buffering agentproviding a pH of about 6 to about 8; and an aqueous carrier; whereinsaid composition is essentially free of any material that would soil orstain fabric.
 17. The composition of claim 16 wherein said malodorbinding polymer is a homopolymeric polyethyleneimine having a molecularweight of about 1,000 to about 2,000,000.
 18. The composition of claim16 wherein said buffering agent is maleic acid.
 19. A method of reducingmicrobes comprising the steps of: a. providing the composition of claim1; b. dispersing an effective amount of said composition on an inanimatesurface or in the air.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein said microbeis A. Niger.